In a nation
at war, teamwork by the whole people is necessary
for victory. But the issue is decided on
the battlefield, toward which all national
effort leads. The country's fate lies in
the hands of its soldier citizens; in the
clash of battle is found the final test of
plans, training, equipment, and-above all-the
fighting spirit of units and individuals.

AMERICAN FORCES IN ACTION SERIES presents
detailed accounts of particular combat operations
of United States forces. To the American
public, this record of high achievement by
men by men who served their Nation well is
presented as a preface to the full military
history of World War II. To the soldiers
who took part in the operations concerned,
these narratives will give the opportunity
to see more clearly the results of orders
which they obeyed and of sacrifices which
they and their comrades made, in performance
of missions that find their meaning in the
outcome of a larger plan of battle.